Marty Roth

The stuff dreams are made of

I was about to make the same "Stitch" suggestion when I noted Bhigdog's comment- surely a reasonable alternative

And someone was noting tiny waists in the “U.S. CONSULATE FLORENCE” pic?

David, You (and your better half) deserve a 1950s convertible. Something similar to our '54 Caddy, or maybe a later Buick/Olds with sufficient power, and A/C? Come touring with us - Founders Tour is March 20-26 in Mobile.

So --- Statistically, after a night of partying, if you have your aching feet in a tub of warm water, and an ice pack on your aching head, You're statistically comfortable, right? Hope everybody is doing well, and didn't get in big crowds last night - we stayed home, enjoyed each other, rang in the new year, got some rest, and looked for old cars in this morning's Rose Bowl Parade - saw a couple of Pierce-Arrows and a fire truck, and several good bands.

Delving through the more difficult, some of these would be worthy of the effort, but paperwork will surely be a difficult situation.

Sorry, folks, but today to start the new year, we'll reach a sunny and comfortable 81 Fahrenheit here in New Orleans. There will be a cold front coming through about the time the Sugar Bowl Football game ends at the SuperDome, bu we'll be comfortable at home, watching on TV. Drove the '54 Caddy convertible yesterday, but that was just another day in paradise. Happy and healthy New Year to all in the hobby, Marty & Dale

Does this car have A/C? Looks like it from the dash vents, but no engine shots

Erratic ?? As documented numerous times, there was nothing inherently erratic per first series Corvairs, as long as PROPER tire pressure was at least approximated. That being noted, many just over-inflated the front tires. The early Corvair's Swing axle was not significantly different from the then-current Porsche - and even the lowly Volkswagen of the era. the transverse rear spring in 1964 models was an improvement, and the Didion-style Quad U-Jointed rear half-shafts, introduced for second generation 1965 and newer models turned Corvair into a more serious excellent handling car. Now with our 5th Corvair, I can attest to just how fantastic they really are. Our '65 Monza 4-speed convertible is an affordable blast to drive, maintain, enjoy, and appreciate.

Having enjoyed my TR-2 and TR-3/3A models during my teens and 20s, I could appreciate this, but am in no way going to start dealing with it as I approach my 80s. Just getting in or out would require an ongoing subscription with a good chiropractor.

My Dad once steered his 1950 Nash Statesman home with a Vice-Grip following being broadsided from a collision caused by a speeding '50 Chevy convertible, and the failure of the steering wheel. Fortunately it was only a couple of blocks from home. Vice-Grips, Crescent wrench, and a big pry bar can be very useful for short-term "repairs"

I got a new Jasper transmission for our 384,xxx-mile 2000 Ford 7.3L Diesel Excursion- It replaces the damaged and out-of-warranty one an AAMCO shop in South Jersey installed during an AACA Divisional Tour, years ago. Good to Go, once again !

Thank you Kelly, we look forward to additional details

Ed, So fitting, that your Uncle Al built memories, awareness, respect, and was a part of what shaped you. Thank you for reminding me, as if I really need to be reminded, of those same qualities my dad, Al, a Navy SeaBee in the South Pacific during those WWII years, helped us to live. Condolences to you, and to all of Al's family and friends. May his memory be a blessing Here is the Navy Hymn, Eternal father, Strong to save:

Looks familiar- Where is this?

Louisiana's River Parishes, especially St. James and St John, have traditionally built bonfires in a very specific style to light the way for Papa Noel. These fires are lit at around 7:00 PM Christmas Eve, and burn through the night. Children were told the fires were so Papa Noel cold find his way to them. Tradition tells us that, when roads scarcely existed in Bayou Country, and waterways were the primary travel access, deep fog aws always a concern - especially with cooler evening temperatures and warmer water. Paddling a pirogue or batteau on a bayou or river in the fog, one was wont to lose a sense of direction, but the fires along the levee helped guide families home from Christmas Midnight Mass. Enjoy the traditions of another culture, and see if you can spot the '58 Chevy.

Wishing health, peace, smooth backroads, and good weather for the coming year.

If you're worried about "long braking distance", Do a better brake adjustment, or figure out what it was that you haven't yet done correctly. Early systems, and mechanical brakes, can, and should be completely effective, but only if set up properly, and with the correct linings hardness, or lack thereof, for your brake drums

My first thought, as well.

So, Not a convertible? And about how much would a transmission & install cost?

Surely the unusual combination for the year

George, we each have the right to an opinion, and surely you have yours. I've always admired the clean lines and flowing style of the 1951, 1952, 1953 Kaiser, and also the taillight design from 1952 through 1954 - especially the idea of running up and over the rear fender. The "Widow's Peak" front and rear one-piece windshield is an example of futuristic styling, at least in my opinion, and the padded dash was another excellent feature for the era. Then again, I had a '50 Mercury coupe, but believe the style of the '51 Kaiser was much nicer than the Shoebox Ford - just my preference ! We bought a 1952 Kaiser Manhattan with the extremely smooth running "Supersonic" six and the GM-derived 4-speed Hydra-Matic. I regretted selling it, but had other projects, and still prefer convertibles to a sedan. The '52 Manhattan was a pleasure to drive cross-country at 70 mph. Probably as comfortable as our Buicks and Cadillacs - something which could likely not be said for the shoebox Ford. Steering was light and precise, and braking action was at least comparable to most upper-level cars of the time. Interior room was exceptional, as was the fuel economy. I didn't care for the heavy front-end styling of the '54, but love the idea that the '55 Kaiser came with a supercharger. I drove one and tried to buy it - great performance, great effort, especially considering what they were up against from the "Big-Three". Again, you're entitled to an opinion, as am I, and they're worth what others are willing to pay for them - no need for this to get personal.

It seems worth investigating in person, or having a competent appraiser look at it for you- Could be a fun driver for Glidden and Sentimental Tours, but the leather repair doesn't come cheap. Be sure to check out the wood structure for rot. and see if the "B" pillar has any motion to it. Wood repair can get very expensive very quickly. I had to "pass" on a 1927 LaSalle, as well as a 1934 Packard because both had quite a bit of motion in the "B" pillar. One dealer and well-known enthusiast even suggested that he would just use a hardware store 1"metal angle brace to support the pillar on the Packard he wanted to sell me, rather than a proper repair to replace the wood - obviously I didn't buy his car

Did we see that car on "Bring A Trailer" auction site?